Davido Recalls Near‑Suicide Moment After Photo Leak
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has opened up about a frightening episode from the early days of his career that almost pushed him to the edge.
The incident occurred just two months after his breakout tracks began dominating radio stations across the country. At that point, he had only a handful of songs, yet they were already massive hits that earned him a performance booking in Ghana.
Describing his arrival in Ghana, Davido said the reception felt like that of global superstars such as Michael Jackson or Justin Bieber. “Yo, it’s like Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber type. So I’m like, yo, we lit,” he recalled, expressing the thrill of his rapid rise.
He noted that each week brought a new achievement, keeping excitement levels high. “Every week is just something new. I’m excited. I’m like, yo, I’m blowing up every week. We’re going higher in the charts,” he said.
The sudden fame also brought increased attention from women. Davido admitted he enjoyed the admiration, saying, “I’m excited. I’m like, yo, these girls actually love me.”
During a night out at a Ghanaian nightclub, he encountered what he described as his first groupie. The evening ended on a positive note, but the following morning his manager knocked urgently on his hotel room door.
His manager informed him that the woman he had spent the night with had taken a photograph of him while he was asleep and shared it with friends. She had been telling people she was with Davido, but they doubted her—until she produced the picture as proof.
The leaked image spread quickly, reaching his family. Davido said his father and sisters began calling him after seeing the photo, and the situation became overwhelming.
He confessed that the pressure was so intense he contemplated drastic action. “If I saw balcony that day, I would have jumped. I was going crazy,” Davido admitted.
Reflecting on the episode, Davido pointed out that his youth and lifestyle contributed to the vulnerability. He acknowledged that fame at a young age makes celebrities easy targets, even when they are simply trying to enjoy themselves.
Offering advice to upcoming stars, he warned, “You’re young, you’re famous, you’re a target. Even if you want to have fun, take their phones.” He said the ordeal taught him a valuable lesson about the hidden costs of celebrity life.
